On her latest Whatever It Takes, Sandra Bernhard leaves the comedy routines behind for an array of polished, mature songs.
The outspoken starlet favors world music arrangements with lush strings here. The set opens with the captivating "All Around," a collaboration with Chrissie Hynde and Jean Paul Samputu. "We're on Our Way" takes listeners on a spiritual trek and "Why So Blue" is a plea for world peace. But Bernhard shines brightest on the closing track, "A Woman in Love." Whatever It Takes is out now.
Forget the Diane Sawyer interview, although a sock-puppet rendition has surfaced on YouTube. Never mind the disastrous realty show Being Bobby Brown and its infamous constipation-relief scene. Block out her performance during the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special, where she kept dancing after the music to "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" had already stopped. Whitney Houston needs to repair her tarnished image. Partnered with her mentor Clive Davis, Houston returns with I Look to You. The lead single, "Million Dollar Bill," provides a familiar disco beat that just begs for remixes. The title track is a '90s-worthy inspirational power ballad, and "Like I Never Left" recalls the warmth of Houston's 10-year-old hit "My Love Is Your Love." Tune in, as Houston will be on The Oprah Winfrey Show Monday, Sept. 14. Also, who doesn't love a good comeback story?
Queen Latifah has crossed over seamlessly from music into acting; gone from rapping to singing; and even became a cosmetics spokesperson with her own fragrance line. The talented superstar continues to forge forward with her latest outing, Persona. Here, she returns to her hip-hop roots on "Cue the Rain" and "The Light." On the standout "People," Mary J. Blige and Jadakiss guest. The Grammy winner nails a Crystal Waters-inspired throwback house number on "Take Me Away ( With You ) ." Persona successfully marries genres and is out now on Verve.
Need more Blige? The "Be Without You" diva appears in Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All by Myself. Is this one step closer to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul portraying the late High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone? Blige has been attached to a biopic on Simone for some time now. Blige's new album is due out later this year, featuring "The One" with Drake.
At this year's Brit Awards, The Pet Shop Boys put on quite a performance. After receiving the Outstanding Contributions to Music Award, the gay duo strolled down memory lane with a medley of hits including "West End Girls" and the recent club chart-topper "Love Etc." Joining the pair were Lady Gaga, who sang Dusty Springfield's part on "What Have I Done to Deserve This" and Brandon Flowers of the Killers on "It's a Sin." Yes, the latest from the Pet Shop Boys, is electronic pop at its finest, courtesy of "Did You See Me Coming" and "Pandemonium." My favorite here is the uplifting "More Than a Dream," which is somewhat reminiscent of Dario G.'s "Sunchyme." The Pet Shop Boys will be returning to the Windy City with The Pandemonium Tour at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, on Monday, Sept. 14.
Little Boots has created a buzz with the impressive E.P. Illuminations. Ne Victoria Hesketh, U.K.'s Little Boots captures the camp electro-goodness of Goldfrapp ( "Stuck on Repeat" ) , Kylie Minogue's knack for pop ( "Not Now" ) and Robyn's left-of-center craft ( "New in Town" ) . Illuminations also has a cover of Freddie Mercury's "Love Kills." The video to "New in Town" is perfect introduction to Little Boots, as she chimes, "I'm gonna take you out tonight, I'm gonna make you feel alright. I don't have a lot of money, but we'll be fine." Luckily, Little Boots' brief stateside tour will have a show on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, with Yes Giantess opening. The teaser, E.P. Illuminations, is available now and the full-length debut Hands is expected to drop later this year.
Can't wait for Kylie Minogue's first U.S. tour? Her musical collaborator, Calvin Harris, will be spinning at Vision Nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn, on Friday, Sept. 11. Earlier this year, he landed a massive hit overseas with "I'm Not Alone." Harris' sophomore effort, Ready for the Weekend, is chocked full with pulsating electro goodies, including "Dance Wiv Me." The title track has the catchy chorus "I put on my shoes and I'm ready for the weekend." Ready for the Weekend is available digitally now.
Perez Hilton certainly knows how to ask a question at a beauty pageant. Now the celebrity blogger proves he can assemble an impressive line-up for The Perez Hilton Presents Tour. Semi Precious Weapons, Sliimy, Ida Maria and Ladyhawke share the bill with a stop at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark, on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Norwegian Ida Maria has made heads turn with the song "I Like You Much Better When You're Naked." Her sound recalls a blend of P.J. Harvey and Feist. Her debut Fortress around My Heart is out now.
Recording under the name Ladyhawke, multi-instrumentalist Phillipa "Pip" Brown finally released her breakthrough eponymous titled album in the U.S. via Mecca Records. The set contains an '80s feel-good vibe on "Magic" and "Crazy World." Unlike its import-only counterparts, this edition boasts five bonus tracks including acoustic versions of the singles "Paris Is Burning" and "My Delirium." Just try getting the latter out of your head.
